A Few Announcements and an Anniversary

A couple of important announcements to draw to your attention...

B'nai Israel Cemetery Committee Request

The B'nai Israel Cemetery Committee would sincerely appreciate your participation and input regarding the B'nai Israel Jewish Cemetery at Cypress Hill Memorial Park, Petaluma. The Quarterly B'nai Israel Cemetery Volunteer Day Event at B'nai Israel Cemetery within Cypress Hill Memorial Park is approaching. This event helps to make a difference in the appearance and cleanliness of the Jewish Cemetery.

Date: Sunday, October 14th. Please Note: In the event of services, this event will be postponed
Address: 430 Magnolia Avenue, Petaluma
Time: 9 am to 3 pm

• Baked goods will be provided 
• Please bring a sack lunch, water bottle/water, hat and sunscreen as well as wear closed-toed shoes.
• Please bring rags, white vinegar, mild detergent, baking soda and a bucket, gloves, trowels, garden clippers.
• Please note that careful attention to the contours of the ground is important. The lawn disguises the uneven ground surface below posing a tripping hazard.

Please include your contact information below if volunteering and send to rkweinstock@comcast.net with number and ages of participants.

• Name(s)
• Mailing Address:
• Cell Phone:
• Home Phone:
• Email Address:
• Best Number to Call:
• Best Time(s) to Call:
• Best Day(s) to Call:

*Cypress Hill Memorial Park is very particular about the cleaning and landscape products used at the Cemetery. All volunteers will be provided with this information.

Fall Shabbaton

And, on the weekend of October 19 - 21 we will welcome Rabbi Dorothy Richman to our community. There will be a Shabbat Dinner on Friday evening, an interactive D'rash - Sermon on Saturday morning, a spiritual exploration at lunch following services, and a Havdalah gathering on Saturday night. Details and reservation information will follow.

And, the anniversary:

For those of us who have made our lives in Sonoma county and environs, the events of one year ago will fall into the category of "where were you and how were you affected?" The wildfires of last October altered the lives of individuals, families, and communities and the recovery is an ongoing challenge.We lost lives, houses, businesses, jobs and a certain innocence that was enhanced by living in this wonderful place.

Here in Petaluma, as we anxiously waited out the spread of the fire to our north and east, we witnessed a community mobilized to render help to those fleeing flames. Our shelters were full and locals gave of time, talents, goods, and hope to those displaced. Some of us sheltered people in our homes. As it was all happening and retrospectively, it was a beautiful display of the human potential and an affirmation that we are capable of caring about each other. The stories of destruction, survival, coincidence, bravery, and kindness will be told for generations.

It is in this spirit that we join with neighbors and citizens of our communities in remembering those who lost their lives, in acknowledging the strength and will of the first responders, and expressing appreciation for the collective generosity of our community in taking us through those difficult days. Our Torah teaches that, as the Israelites made their way from Egypt to the Promised land, God, at times, appeared as a pillar of fire. I must say that I did not see God in those fires of destruction one year ago. However, out of those flames came hope and resolve and tales of survival that support the gift of life within us. On this anniversary, we affirm the flame of the human spirit which can reach beyond and bring warmth and light into the world.

Shalom,
Rabbi Ted Feldman